How to Find the Perfect Writing Coach for Your Book
A comprehensive guide to identifying your writing needs, matching with the right expertise, and ensuring a supportive experience that will leave you feeling empowered and excited to publish your book.
When I was twenty, I ran a marathon. I’d almost flunked P.E. in high school because I couldn’t finish a couple laps around the baseball field, yet here I was spending every Saturday of my college life running dozens of miles – and shockingly liking it.
What was the difference?
In high school, the only motivator I had was an angry teacher blowing her whistle at me, calling me fat and lazy, and threatening to flunk me if I didn’t pick up the pace. I was also bored out of my mind running around in circles in the desert heat.
In college, I had a fabulous group of LGBTQ coaches and support staff helping me to reach my goal of running a marathon and raising $3000 to support the SF AIDS Foundation. They planned the training regimen, built in breaks, provided snacks, set a new path for us to run each week so we didn’t get bored, and marked out exactly where the bathrooms were – key for someone with a small bladder like mine.
With the right mentor or coach, a seemingly impossible task not only becomes possible but fun to do!
I’ve written a dozen books in multiple genres including self-help, memoir, romance, thriller, and fantasy. It took me decades to come up with a formula of my own for how to survive – and enjoy! – the marathon that is writing a book.
I started my company, School for Writers, because I don’t want it to take you as long as it took me to get published.
It makes me happy to take what I’ve learned in those processes and share them with others here on the blog, on the School for Writers® podcast, and in my programs. I love that I get to help the participants in my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program to use my hard earned lessons to make the processes quicker and more enjoyable.
I’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people feel educated, inspired, and entertained through my work. I am one of the best story coaching in the world, and I’ve got the testimonials to prove it – from amateur writers just starting their journeys to powerhouse celebrities, and everyone in between.
After two decades in the industry I can offer insights into traditional, hybrid, and self publishing, and I coach my clients in making important decisions from the start of the book writing process that will support them when they go to publish.
I’ve got a damn impressive resume. And still, I am not the right book coach for everyone.
If you want a massive-figure deal with a Big Five publisher, you’re going to need someone else. I suggest Meghan Stevenson if you write prescriptive non-fiction.
If you’re looking to write beautiful and profound poetry that wins awards, you’re also going to need someone else. I suggest the award-winning poet, Jenn Givhan.
And if you want to write a book about dieting or weight loss, anything degrading others or using shame as a tactic, or something with homophobic, transphobic, racist, ablest, sexist, or themes that harm others, I’m also not the right coach for you.
Even if that means you go work with someone else, I want you in the right fit, so your book isn’t left in your head but is out in the world making an impact.
It’s not about finding any book coach online with a great resume and testimonials, it’s about finding the right mentor for you and your book.
Which is why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to finding a book coach for first-time authors and experienced writers alike.
This guide is great for:
Aspiring authors
First-time book writers
Self-publishing writers
Emerging novelists
Memoir writers seeking guidance
Independent authors looking for support
Writers aiming for traditional publishing
Creative writers ready to publish
And anyone interested in improving both their book and their book writing experience by working with a writing coach.
Ready for the guide?! Scroll down to get all the information you need to find your ideal writing coach.
3 Crucial Needs to Consider Before Hiring a Writing Coach for Your Book
The journey from manuscript to published book is fraught with challenges, uncertainties, and moments of self-doubt. Finding the right writing coach for you can make a world of difference. The ideal writing coach not only guides you through the process but also empowers you throughout it with shame-free accountability and educated advice, helping you turn that writing dream into your publishing reality.
Understanding your specific needs as an author will lead to a better writing experience AND a better book.
Before you go looking for a mentor or coach, you want to know what YOU specifically need. Yes, that guy Bob over there on the Internet might be screaming loudly that he can make you a bestseller overnight, but will Bob empower you to tell the most authentic version of your story you can?
Which is why you have to understand your specific needs before choosing a coach. Are you struggling with the structure of your novel? Do you find it challenging to keep up with a consistent writing schedule? Or is your challenge more about refining your voice and style? Identifying your areas of need is crucial in choosing a coach who can offer targeted support.
Your needs as an author usually fall into three categories:
1. CREATIVITY AND CRAFT
Whether you’re twenty years in or brand new, working on the creativity and craft part of writing a book is crucial to not only elevating your manuscript but also growing as a storyteller.
A seasoned coach with experience in the art of writing can offer personalized feedback, innovative writing strategies, and genre-specific advice to refine your storytelling abilities. Whether you're battling with structure in your self-help book, looking to deepen your fictional characters, or want to enhance your plot's excitement, the right coach will help you improve writing skills, enhance your story development techniques, give you genre-specific writing advice, and even help you with overcoming writer’s block.
To assess your needs around creativity and craft, ask yourself these five questions:
Do I have specific areas in my writing that need improvement, such as character development, plot structure, or dialogue?
Am I looking for a coach who can challenge me creatively and push my storytelling to new heights?
How important is genre expertise to me? Do I need a coach who specializes in my specific writing genre?
Am I open to constructive criticism and ready to revise my work based on feedback?
What are my ultimate writing goals, and how does improving my craft help me achieve them?
A coach's expertise in navigating the nuances of storytelling can transform your manuscript from good to exceptional, and make the process feel more fun and creative! By understanding creativity and craft and getting support from a seasoned coach to help you develop your story, you can make sure that your book resonates with your ideal reader and gives them the experience you want them to have when reading it.
2. PUBLISHING AND MARKETING
If you want to simply write a book to have written it, fabulous! I’ve had people in my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program that wrote a book solely for their family, and I have multiple books I’ve written that will probably never be published. That’s great. But, if you want your book out in the world read by friends, family and strangers alike, you’re going to need support with publishing and marketing.
Navigating the landscape of publishing can be daunting. I know, I’ve been a part of the publishing world since 2004, and even sooner if you count the first book and published in my third grade class.
Not all book coaches offer publishing advice for authors, book marketing strategies, or help you with building an author brand. Many focus solely on craft. That’s great, but it’s not going to get you to your ultimate goal of a published book enjoyed by many of your ideal readers.
If you want your book to get into the hands of readers, it’s essential to choose a book coach versed in the latest publishing trends and marketing strategies. They can guide you in crafting compelling query letters or book proposals, selecting the right publishing path that fits for your book dreams, and employing digital marketing tactics to reach your target audience.
From understanding the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing to building a strong author brand and executing effective book marketing campaigns, the right coach will demystify the process, give you insider knowledge, and help you with the logistics along every step from idea to published, and beyond.
To assess your needs around publishing and marketing, ask yourself these five questions:
Do I have a clear understanding of the different publishing paths available to me, and am I seeking guidance on which is best for my book?
Am I prepared to tackle the marketing aspect of publishing, or do I need a coach who can guide me through the process?
How much do I know about building an author platform, and what are my goals in terms of audience reach and engagement?
Am I looking for insights into the latest book marketing trends and how to apply them effectively?
What is my vision for my book's success, and how can a coach help me formulate a strategy to achieve it?
As you venture into the realms of publishing and marketing, finding a book coach who not only shares your vision but also possesses the expertise to make it a reality is invaluable. By asking yourself these critical questions, you're taking the first step towards not just publishing a book, but creating a legacy that resonates with your intended audience and beyond.
3. PERSONAL AND SOCIAL
For most of us, the journey of writing a book is more personal than professional. Yes, we want to publish, market, and sell our books. Yes, we want to use our books to build side hustles, rise up the corporate ladder, and build up our businesses. But more than that, we want to amplify our voice, tell our story, and leave a legacy.
For that reason, it’s important to seek a book coach who not only understands your writing goals but also offers support and motivation through the ups and downs of the writing process specifically tailored to your personal needs.
A book coach with strong interpersonal skills can help you set realistic goals, maintain accountability, and build confidence in your abilities. They can also introduce you to writing communities and networks, enhancing your social connections within the literary world and beyond.
As someone with multiple marginalized identities who coaches people from historically underrepresented communities, I also know how important it can be to have a book coach who understands my specific social, political, and personal limitations – both perceived and real.
The right coach for you might be the boot camp style asshole yelling at you all the time to go-go-go, but I’m going to guess if you’re reading this you need someone more understanding of your life needs, your time restraints, and your legacy goals.
Finding a coach who takes your personal and social needs into effect can help you find the most effective writing motivation, get you a supportive author accountability partner, connect you with likeminded writing communities, and help you in building confidence in writing – all without shame or guilt.
To assess your personal and social needs, ask yourself these five questions:
How important is having a personal connection and mutual understanding with my book coach?
Am I looking for someone who can not only guide me professionally but also support me emotionally through the writing process?
Do I need help setting realistic goals and timelines for my writing, and how much accountability do I want from a coach?
Am I interested in expanding my network within the literary community, and how can a coach help me with that?
How do I handle criticism and feedback, and what kind of approach do I expect from a coach in these areas?
The book writing journey is as much about building connections, understanding your voice, and navigating your path with grace, as it is about the mechanics of writing and publishing. By taking your personal and social needs into account before choosing a coach, you're on your way to finding a mentor who not only aids in achieving your literary ambitions but also aligns with your deeper mission of personal expression and social impact.
Do you need one coach to fulfill all of your needs?
Not at all. Many coaches specialize in only one of the above and there can be arguments made for choosing a different coach for craft than you do for marketing.
However, it’s really helpful to have a coach that knows all three and can support you holistically through the process.
If you’re looking for a program with coaching, camaraderie, and courses that fulfill your craft, publishing, AND personal needs, check out my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® comprehensive program.
It’s a comprehensive program that has lifetime access to a diverse community of supportive mentors, peers, and coaches all dedicated to helping you go from idea to published book.
Once you have an understanding of your basic needs as an author, you’ll want to take other logistical needs into consideration as well.
Here are some other thoughts to consider when choosing a writing coach for your book:
Have they done it many times before? They don’t need to be a bestseller or even published (publishing can be harsh and is often a sign of luck more than talent), but make sure you’re learning from someone who has written at least a few books and knows your genre.
Are they a practiced teacher? Doing something yourself and teaching others to do it are two different skillsets. Make sure you get a coach who has practiced the craft of writing and the craft of teaching.
Are they kind and empathetic? Not only do we all have enough guilt in our lives, shame-based coaching has been proven time and again to not actually support us in achieving our goals. Find you a coach that meets you where you’re at and encourages you in ways that are based in kindness.
Do they know the publishing industry? It is wonderful to be a hobbyist writer and I am constantly talking about the value of journaling, but if you want to publish a book, it’s important to have a coach who understands the landscape and can guide you to make decisions based on your goals.
Is the amount of support and insight you’re getting equal to the price they’re asking? Hell yes, experienced coaches deserve to get paid well for their offerings! I have premium prices because I offer premium services. And also, I get way too many clients coming my way that paid $30,000 for a course or program and got nothing out of it. Take time to really look into if a program is going to help you reach your goals before you enroll.
Can you afford it or do they have scholarships? There are way too many predatory marketers out there that will convince you to go into debt for their services. It’s one thing to stretch yourself a bit financially to join a program – I think that can actually be beneficial sometimes so you have some skin in the game and show up to do the work – but it’s another to starve because you had FOMO. If you can’t afford a program, look for free resources like podcasts or books, take some time to save up, or ask for a scholarship. I offer them in all my programs, as do many other coaches.
Do they have testimonials or case studies? Hearing from past participants about their experience working with that particular coach can help you to determine if they are the right fit for you.
Do you share values? Not only is your coach going to have an impact on your books content, they’re also someone you’re giving your time, money, and energy to. Having a coach with similar values as you do will help you have a better time and result during the book writing process.
What else do you look for in a coach? Share your thoughts and insights below.
Finding the ideal writing coach for your book is about understanding your needs, matching with the right expertise, and ensuring a supportive and empowering experience.
Remember, the goal is not just to publish a book but to grow as a writer and realize your publishing dreams with confidence.
With the right coach by your side, you’re not just working towards publishing a book; you’re embarking on a transformative journey that will enrich your life and career for years to come.
And, if you’re looking for a writing program to support all of your coaching, course, and camaraderie needs in one place, check out my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program.
Because the world needs your story now more than ever.™